Have you ever been inspired by a particular fashion style on Pinterest or a fashion magazine, only to feel let down when you tried it? It’s common to assume that it’s due to the wrong size or stepping out of your comfort zone, but the key to dressing well is knowing how to dress for your body type. Furthermore, fashion trends change rapidly, and it sometimes needs to be clarified how to customize them to fit our unique body shapes.
While we believe in certain guidelines for dressing well, we don’t believe in hard and fast rules restricting personal expression. After all, fashion is all about being fun and expressive, and VoucherCodesUAE is here to help you do just that.
No matter your body shape, our comprehensive guide can help you dress in a way that accentuates and flatters your figure. Before we dive in, let’s identify your body shape if you haven’t already.
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How to Identify Your Body Shape- Taking measurement
Identifying your body shape is essential in dressing for your body type. It will help you choose clothing styles to compliment your figure and minimize any areas you may want to downplay. To get started, take note of the following:
Tip- For improved accuracy, it’s recommended to use cloth tape instead of metal. When measuring, ensure it’s not too tight or loose.
- Shoulder width:
Measure the distance between the tips of your shoulders. Start by placing the tape at the tip of either shoulder. Carefully bring it around to the other side until it reaches the end of the same shoulder. Ensure that the tape is positioned as close to the shoulder as possible to measure the widest point of your shoulders accurately.
- Bust measurement:
Stand upright with good posture and locate the fullest part of your bust by placing one end of the measuring tape. Wrap the tape around your back, under your shoulders, and bring it back to the starting point. Avoid compressing your breasts with the tape and hold end to end against your chest.
- Waist measurement:
Identify the narrowest point above your belly button and rib cage, or bend to the side to find your natural waistline. Wrap the measuring tape around your stomach and note the measurement. Remember not to slouch or pull in your stomach.
- Hip measurement:
To measure your hips, measure the circumference of the fullest part of your buttocks. Begin on one side and bring the tape to the other, ensuring it remains level and straight throughout. Once you’ve reached the starting point, take note of the measurement. To measure your hips, measure the circumference of the fullest part of your buttocks. To measure your hips, measure the circumference of the fullest part of your buttocks.
- Body proportions:
Besides these, take note of your body proportions. Measure the length of your torso from the top of your shoulder to your waist. Then measure your legs from your waist to the floor. Compare these measurements to determine whether you have a long torso and short legs, a short torso and long legs, or a proportional body.
Based on these measurements, you can determine your body shape and learn how to dress for your body type. As everyone’s shape is unique, it’s worth exploring this further to understand your body shape better.
How to Dress for your body type-body shape guide
There are several types of body shapes identified by experts in various professions. However, the most common figures include pear, apple, hourglass, inverted triangle, and rectangle.
Pear Body Shape:
PC: Pinterest
Also referred to as a regular triangle, a narrow upper body, and wider hips and thighs characterize this type of body shape. Pear-shaped figures tend to carry their weight in the lower half of their body. Notable celebrities who have pear-shaped bodies include Kim Kardashian and JLo.
How to dress for a pear-shaped body?
If you have a pear-shaped figure, shifting the focus away from the broader hips and deviating towards the upper body and waist is essential. The goal is to create the illusion of an hourglass figure while highlighting the waist and minimizing the lower body. As the hips are more comprehensive than the shoulders and bust, aline dresses and fitted tops can be flattering. These strategies allow you to flatter your body type and create a great look.
What to Wear:
- Dress your upper body with vibrant hues and eye-catching patterns.
- For the lower half, pick darker shades.
- Choose tops adorned with intricate details, such as frills or decorations.
- Pick out tops and dresses with striking sleeves that make a statement.
- Consider off-the-shoulder styles or Bardot necklines.
- Add bold necklaces or vivid scarves to complement your outfit.
What to Avoid:
- Avoid wearing skinny jeans or trousers that taper and create an unbalanced silhouette.
- Low-rise pants and shorts make the hips look wider and the legs shorter.
- Dresses such as shift or empire waists are not the best dresses for your body type as they can create an unflattering box-like shape.
- Clothing such as peplum or flared skirts draw attention to wider hips.
Our recommendations:
Plunge Floral Print Wrap Dress
Plunge Floral Print Wrap Dress, AED: 266
Wrap dresses are universally flattering and a shape that you can reach time and time again. This floral wrap dress is made from soft, lightweight polyester fabric and is perfect for warm weather. The long sleeves provide coverage, while the tie-up knot detail to the front adds a stylish touch. Its versatility enables it to be dressed up or down, making it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.
Only Printed Puff Sleeves Crop Top
Only Printed Puff Sleeves Crop Top, AED: 65
The puff sleeve trend is going nowhere, so why not embrace it with this adorable top? With its unique silhouette, this top nods to the trend. This top feature a vibrant print, short sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline. It adds a delightful touch to any ensemble, making it suitable for various occasions.
Trendyol Wide Leg Pants
Trendyol Contrast Detail Waist Wide Leg Pants, AED: 92
These versatile trousers are perfect for a seamless transition from day to night, providing comfort and style. With a wide leg cut that elongates the legs and a waist detail that defines the waistline, they create a chic and flattering look.
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Apple Body Shape:
PC: Pinterest
An apple-shaped body typically has a more prominent upper body than a lower body, characterized by a broader midsection, full bust, waist, upper back, and broad shoulders. In contrast, the arms, legs, and hips tend to be slimmer, and weight gain often occurs around the midsection. Purchasing clothes for this particular body shape can pose a challenge since there’s a tendency to opt for larger-sized clothes to balance out the wider upper body.
How to dress for an apple-shaped body?
Celebrating and embracing your full figure is essential if you have an apple-shaped body, but dressing for your body type is crucial to highlight your best features. To flatter this body type, focus on creating a balanced silhouette by choosing pieces that draw attention away from the waist area.
What to Wear:
- Dresses with an empire waistline or A-line cut that cinches towards the smallest part of your waist.
- Tops with a V-neckline give the illusion of a longer, leaner torso.
- High-waisted pants or jeans elongate your legs.
- Flared pants or bootcut jeans balance out your proportions.
- Structured blazers or jackets create a more defined silhouette.
- Statement jewelry or scarves to draw attention to your face and away from your midsection.
What to Avoid:
- Clothing that is too tight or clingy, as this will only emphasize your midsection.
- Low-rise pants or jeans that cut off at your widest point.
- Belts or waistbands that sit right at your waistline, as this can create a muffin top effect.
- Shapeless, oversized clothing that will make you look boxy and unbalanced.
Our recommendations:
H&M Off-the-shoulder dress
H&M Off-the-shoulder-dress, AED: 45
This sophisticated off-the-shoulder dress from H&M is perfect for baring your shoulders in the summer sun. The dress is tailored using woven fabric and boasts a short balloon sleeve with ruffles at the elbows. The skirt flares gently, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design. Additionally, it is unlined, ensuring a lightweight and comfortable fit.
L’AGENCE Joah Silk Blouse
L’AGENCE Joah Silk Blouse, AED: 1750
Made from pure silk, this L’Agence blouse boasts a luxuriously soft feel and a high-low V-neck design with a classic collar. The draped, wrapped front and back yoke create a flattering fit, while the long sleeves, guipure lace cuffs, and vintage-style button closures add a touch of elegance.
Skinny High Jeans
H&M Skinny High Jeans, AED: 99
Who doesn’t love a great pair of skinny jeans? Not only do they accentuate your legs, but they also provide a universally flattering look when paired with a high-rise waistline. Consider grabbing this stylish option from H&M to achieve that perfect fit.
Hourglass Body Shape:
PC: Pinterest
The hourglass physique is identified by an equitable volume distribution between the hips and bust, accentuated by a clearly defined waistline. This body type tends to have a curvy silhouette, full bust, shapely hips, and a rounded bottom. It is considered an ideal body shape. The hourglass body types are often associated with celebrities such as Beyonce and Dita Von Teese. However, Marilyn Monroe remains the most iconic representation of this body type.
How to dress for an hourglass-shaped body?
If you have an hourglass-shaped body and wondering how to dress for your body type, we’re here to help. Emphasize your waist by selecting clothing that cinches and accentuates it. To complement your shape, experiment with various necklines and structured pieces. Avoid baggy or shapeless outfits and choose form-fitting attire that highlights your curves without adding bulk.
What to Wear:
- Form-fitting clothing that defines your curves.
- High-waisted pants or skirts to show off your defined waistline.
- Wrap dresses or tops that cinch at the waist
- V-neck or scoop-neck tops to flatter your bust.
- Fitted blazers or jackets that nip in at the waist.
- Flared or wide-leg pants as they balance out your curves.
What to Avoid:
- Baggy or shapeless clothing that hides your curves.
- Tight, clingy fabrics create unflattering bulges.
- Unstructured or oversized jackets or blazers that hide your waist.
- Tops with high necklines that can make your bust look too large.
- Skirts or dresses with too much fabric or ruffles are not the best dresses for your body type, as they add bulk to your lower half.
Our recommendations:
Smocked Bodycon Mini Dress
Forever21 smocked bodycon mini dress, AED: 40
This mini dress is an excellent choice if you want to find the best dress for your body type. Its bodycon design and smocked construction will hug your curves in all the right ways. Plus, the scoop neckline and square cutback add a touch of playfulness and elegance. This dress will turn heads whether you’re hitting the town or looking for a fun night out.
Belted Wrap V-Neck Top
Only Belted wrap V-neck top, beige, AED: 95
This belted wrap V-neck top is a chic and versatile option for highlighting your waist without adding extra volume to your bust area. Ideal for hourglass figures, this top creates a slim and voluptuous silhouette while adding a unique charm to your outfit.
Woman Knitted Pencil Skirt
Defacto Woman Knitted Pencil Skirt, AED: 69
Pencil skirts have long been a popular choice among women of all body types, but for those with an hourglass figure, they can work miracles. Consider getting this black pencil skirt if you want a timeless option.
Related article: Head to work in style with Namshi’s best office backpacks
Rectangular Body Shape:
PC: Pinterest
The rectangular body shape, also known as the athletic body shape, features a straight shoulder line, hips, and an undefined waistline. Women with this body type have a slender and toned physique. While the lack of a distinct waist can make creating the illusion of curves challenging, you can accentuate your features and achieve a balanced, feminine silhouette with the right clothing choices.
How to dress for a rectangular-shaped body?
Adding the illusion of a waistline can be incredibly helpful if you have a rectangular body type. Consider incorporating belts around your waist, mid-waisted trousers, and belted jackets to help properly dressing for your body type. Avoid vertical silhouettes, such as a straight jacket paired with consecutive trousers, as they can make your body appear less defined. Opt for softer fabrics that can be belted, as they can draw attention to your waistline. Experiment with various textures and styles to find what works best for you.
What to Wear:
- Belts to define the waistline.
- High-waisted pants or skirts to add length to the legs.
- Tops with embellishments, patterns, or ruffles to add volume to the upper body.
- Layers add dimension and break up a straight silhouette.
- A-line skirts or dresses that flare out from the waist create the illusion of curves.
What to Avoid:
- Box-shaped or straight-cut clothing that doesn’t create definition at the waist.
- Baggy or oversized clothing that hides the shape of the body.
- Vertical patterns or stripes that don’t highlight curves.
- Low-rise pants that don’t create a defined waistline.
Our recommendations:
Ditsy Floral Ruffle-Trim Mini Dress
Ditsy Floral Ruffle-Trim Mini Dress, AED:149
Embrace your rectangular body shape with this stylish and flattering dress. This woven mini dress features a stunning all-over ditsy floral pattern designed to flatter your figure. The Aline silhouette, ruffle trim, and dropped hem add volume to your lower half. At the same time, the V-neckline and 3/4 peasant sleeves draw attention to your upper body.
Nadia Blouse in Peace Silk & Bamboo
SAVANNAH MORROW Nadia Blouse in Peace Silk & Bamboo, AED: 1050
Crafted from sustainable peace silk and bamboo, the Nadie blouse by Savannah Morrow embodies the label’s timeless and effortlessly stylish approach to design. This lightweight blouse features slightly flared sleeves and a tie-up open front, making it an easy-to-layer piece that can be worn throughout the year.
Aerie Denim Baby Flare
AERIE DENIM BABY FLARE Jeans, AED: 140
Adding curves to your silhouette may be challenging if you have a rectangular body shape. That’s where flare jeans come in. The Baby Flare, in particular, is an ideal option as it is designed to fit and flatter your figure with a slight flare at the hemline. Made from soft and stretchy denim, these jeans provide all-day comfort and are easy to pull on and go.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape:
PC: Pinterest
The inverted triangle body type is usually characterized by broader shoulders with narrow hips and bottoms. Individuals with this body shape generally lack a defined waist-to-hip ratio. This makes the body appear like an inverted triangle shape. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, and Rene Zellweger possess the inverted triangle body shape.
How to dress for an inverted triangle-shaped body?
Minimize emphasis on the upper body and increase volume in the lower body to balance your proportions. The best clothing choices for this body type are those that create the illusion of curves in the hips and lower half while defining the bust. To achieve this, consider wearing tops with scoop or V-necklines and avoiding shoulder pads or detailing. Additionally, incorporating belts or waist-cinching styles can help create the appearance of curves.
What to wear:
- Wide-leg pants and A-line skirts to balance out the upper body.
- Dresses with a fitted waistline create an hourglass shape.
- Darker colors on top and lighter colors on the bottom to balance out the body proportions.
- Scarves and statement necklaces to draw attention to the neckline and away from the shoulders
What to avoid:
- Tops with ruffles or embellishments on the shoulders will underline the broadness of the upper body.
- Boat neck and off-the-shoulder tops, as they will widen the shoulders further.
- Tight tops or dresses that emphasize the upper body.
- Jackets with shoulder pads will add bulk to the shoulders.
Our recommendations:
PLEATED SLEEVELESS MIDI DRESS
Tommy Hilfiger Pleated Sleeveless Midi Dress, AED: 750
Pleated dresses work wonders for inverted triangle-shaped bodies as they help to balance out the figure and create curves in all the right places. This modern take on the classic little black dress is no exception. The midi dress boasts a form-fitting, sleeveless bodice that perfectly contrasts with the free-flowing pleated skirt.
Solid Ruched One Shoulder Crop Top
Trendyol Solid Ruched One Shoulder Crop Top, AED: 64
This crop top is a stunning piece of clothing with eye-catching patterns and designs, perfect for enhancing your casual look. One-shoulder tops are a great option as they help to create balance in the figure. So, make sure to add this must-have item to your wardrobe.
AE Ripped Low-rise Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans
AE Ripped Low-rise Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans, AED: 156
Exude an effortlessly laid-back style with these low-rise, wide-leg pants. These pants are designed for a slouchy fit and offer the perfect balance between comfort and style. While the low-rise fit creates a modern and edgy look, the wide leg adds to the relaxed feel. Consider opting for a shorter inseam to show off your favorite pair of shoes for an added styling touch.
With that, we conclude our how to dress for your body type guide. Consider these dressing guidelines as a preliminary reference!
One Last Thought
The key to dressing for your body type is to understand your shape and to choose clothing that compliments it rather than following trends or trying to fit into a standard mold. Remember, fashion is not one size fits all, and there is no right or wrong body type. Every body shape is unique and beautiful in its own way. So, experiment with different styles and have fun with your fashion choices. After all, the most important thing is feeling confident and comfortable in your skin.
